Data Validation List by Formula

[kborgers]

Happy New Year to all!

I have created 6 seperately named lists of contacts for six different offices. In this case, the lists are named 'HQ', 'SE', 'SW', 'MID', 'NORTH' and 'SCOT'. I am trying to have the appropriate dropdown list in one specific cell (C23) which is populated according to the region selected in another cell (C5). For instance, I have tried the following formula as the Source in the Date Validation Settings tab (having first chosed 'List'):

=IF($C$5="HQ",=HQ,IF($C$5="South East",=SE,IF($C$5="South West",=SW,IF($C$5="Midlands",=MID,IF($C$5="North",=NORTH,IF($C$5="SCOT",=SCOT,""))))))

Perhaps this is not possible or the formula needs a tweak or there is another solution? Any suggestions appreciated.